Aleksei I. Goloborodko (, pronounced: Al-ix-EY Ga-la-ba-RROJ-ka, born 1994) is a Russian contortionist. In addition to contortion, he has trained in classical and modern dance and Chinese martial arts. He has performed in a variety of arts festivals and competitions, television programs, circuses, and shows. He is currently in the Cirque du Soleil show Luzia. Early life Alexey was born in Tula, Russia. Alexey's mother said that his natural flexibility sometimes scared people. He was then spotted by his coach-to-be, Vladislav Afanasievich Rodin, in the Circus Circle in Tula. Previously, Vladislav trained his son for 30 years. Vlasislav said that trainings are a synthesis of classical dance, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, modern dance, martial arts and extreme flexibility of the body. Years later, after the son had moved abroad, he met a promising young boy in the Circus Circle. He provided free of charge individual training for this boy - Vladimir Gagarin - who in his turn developed into an award-winning contortionist. However, for personal and family reasons, Gagarin left the scene in his teens. The coach was saddened by this situation and disinclined to take on new trainees. When he met Alexey he was won over by his enthusiasm and determination, and changed his mind. A room in the Goloborodko family's flat was converted into a gymnasium for Alexey, and he trained for several hours each day, not only with Rodin, but also with specialist dance instructors. Natalia Perepelkina (leading teacher of the Tula branch of the Moscow Institute of Culture) - taught classical dance. The famous dancer Svetlana Shishkina taught modern dance, while Maria Nikolaeva taught "Jazz Style" dance. Wushu graduate Shaolin Igor Kovalenko instructed him in various Chinese martial arts, "wushu" being another term for referring to these arts. This team trained him in seven distinct performances, called "The Swan", "Tango," "Petrushka", "Rock," "Mowgli", "God of the Sun" and "Obsession." Alexey has recently stated that his repertoire now stands at ten different acts. Career Festivals and awards He has participated in many circus and arts festivals and competitions. Details of some of them are available, and these are listed below. Rodin has stated that Alexey won medals at ten such competitions in the period 2004 - 2007. Winner of first prize for his contortion performance at a Circus Festival in Russia in 2003 Bronze medalist at the international children's circus competition in Monte Carlo, Dec 2007 Medal winner